CARE International’s history in Uganda
CARE began working in Uganda in 1969 to respond to recurring cycles of conflict, displacement, poverty, and natural disasters, initially focusing on emergency assistance.
Over time, CARE’s work has evolved from short-term humanitarian support to longer-term, locally led programs that strengthen livelihoods and resilience, particularly in areas affected by conflict, climate shocks, and large refugee populations.
CARE and partners’ work in Uganda today
CARE Uganda works with communities and local partners to strengthen livelihoods, improve food systems, and support resilience to climate and economic shocks. Uganda hosts more than 1.7 million refugees, making humanitarian response and support to both refugee and host communities a key priority. Our work focuses on:
Food and water
We support farming households to strengthen food systems through climate-smart agriculture, improved production, and natural resource management. These efforts help communities improve food security and adapt to climate-related challenges.
Making the economy work
CARE supports women and young people to build sustainable livelihoods through entrepreneurship, access to finance, and market opportunities. Programs promote dignified work and help communities increase income and financial stability.
Climate
We work with communities to strengthen resilience to climate change through sustainable farming and community-led adaptation approaches.
Crisis response
CARE provides humanitarian assistance in refugee settlements and host communities, supporting families affected by displacement and conflict while helping communities recover and build resilience.
CARE works through an integrated, locally led model in partnership with women-led, youth-led, refugee-led, and community-based organizations, as well as local governments. These partnerships prioritize shared leadership, capacity strengthening, and locally driven solutions.
Focus on women and girls
Women and girls are at the centre of CARE’s work in Uganda.
CARE works through and alongside women-led and women’s rights organizations to strengthen women’s leadership, economic opportunities, and participation in community decision-making.
CARE and our partners support women and girls to:
- Build economic autonomy through access to finance, entrepreneurship, and markets
- Strengthen livelihoods within food systems and climate-smart agriculture
- Improve food security, nutrition, and household wellbeing
- Better withstand crises in refugee settlements and areas affected by conflict
By supporting women’s leadership and economic participation, CARE helps strengthen resilience for families and communities across Uganda.
For recent updates on CARE Uganda, see here.
